SPEGAL BREAKS RECORD BUT BISON FALL TO THIEL

Oct. 16 - BETHANY, W.Va. – Although senior Lauren Spegal (Bethel Park, Pa.) broke the school record for career kills, the Bethany College volleyball team was defeated 3-0 (13-30, 26-30, 28-30) by visiting Thiel (Pa.) College Tuesday night at Hummel Field House.

Needing eight to surpass the previous mark of 1,197 set by Kelly Sitko (1996-99), Spegal notched two in the first game and four more in game two. The 5-9 senior then totaled four in the final game to give her 10 for the match and 1,200 for her career to place her atop the BC record books.

As for the match, Thiel (8-19, 4-6) controlled the entire first game in taking a 30-13 decision. The second game was much closer, as it was knotted at 23-23. But the Tomcats would claim a 2-0 lead by scoring seven of the last 10 points for the 30-26 win.

In the third game, Bethany trailed 11-8 before making a run. They ripped off seven of the next nine points, including the record-breaking kill by Spegal to make it 12-11. Their slim advantage would not stand up however, as the game would be evened at 23-23 again and Thiel would slowly pull away to finish the 30-28 win.

Spegal was one of two Bison in double figures in kills on the night, as freshman Emily Stewart (Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe) delivered a team-high 11, including seven to keep Bethany alive in the third game. Junior Kim McKay (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) triggered the offense with 34 assists, while sophomore Rachael Dunham (Gans, Pa./Albert Gallatin) totaled 10 digs.

Bethany will return to action on Thursday when they travel to Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) College. The PAC match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.